Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Amara Nallo of Liverpool(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

An inspired performance by goalkeeper Shea Connor, coupled with some wasteful finishing, saw Liverpool Under-21s lose 1-0 to Middlesbrough in Premier League 2 on Sunday afternoon.

Amara Nallo's first-half own goal was enough for the visitors, who withheld a second-half onslaught to emerge with victory, with Connor making a string of superb saves to keep the hosts at bay.

The unfortunate Nallo almost redeemed himself in the 98th minute but his header could only find the woodwork as Barry Lewtas's side were beaten at the Academy.

With no game for Arne Slot's side this weekend, Lewtas was able to name a strong XI as the likes of Rio Ngumoha, James McConnell and Trey Nyoni all started alongside Trent Kone-Doherty and Isaac Mabaya, who both featured in the FA Cup against Plymouth Argyle last month.

READ MORE:Anthony Gordon banned for Carabao Cup final vs Liverpool and Alexander Isak injured on nightmare day for NewcastleREAD MORE:Alan Shearer makes prediction over Mohamed Salah future with warning to Liverpool

Kone-Doherty went close after 15 minutes when he met McConnell's lofted ball over a congested defence with a first-time strike that was well saved by Connor in the Middlesbrough goal.

It would become something of a theme for the game as the Reds lacked the cutting edge in front of goal when it was needed.

Ranel Young was next to go close when his sharp turn inside the area ended with the striker side-footing an effort just wide of the far corner, which came after Nyoni had played a neat exchange with Lee Jonas to find the space for the cross.

Nallo, who was sent off on his senior debut against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League at the end of January, saw his misfortune continue when his attempt at a headed clearance ended up looping over goalkeeper Harvey Davies and into his own net.

Kieran Morrison went close with a strike from outside the area but Connor made a good save to keep out the effort shortly after the half-hour mark.

Ngumoha was then denied by an excellent, goal-saving block as Liverpool kept the pressure on after the break but Kone-Doherty was guilty of a massive miss moments later when his effort was held by Connor from six yards out after the goalkeeper had already diverted away what would have been an own goal from Kieran Morrison's deflected cross.

Article continues below

Connor was called into action shortly after, with Kone-Doherty again guilty of being wasteful.

The Irish winger's header was thwarted from close range when he appeared unmarked at the back post following a corner routine.

Connor pulled off his best save on 73 minutes when he somehow clawed away a looping ball on the line after McConnell's cross had been deflected into the air.

Substitute Keyrol Figueroa should have levelled with a header inside the final 10 minutes but he could only nod wide while Tommy Pilling almost missed a glaring chance that was ultimately easy for Connor to deal with.


For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.